Furniture

SECRETARY DESK WITH A PAINTED PANEL, PAUL SORMANI FRANCE, PARIS, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

SECRETARY DESK WITH A PAINTED PANEL, PAUL SORMANI FRANCE, PARIS, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

A museum-quality secrétaire created in the Parisian workshop of Paul Sormani, representing an outstanding example of French furniture of the second half of the 19th century, executed in the spirit of Historicism with refined references to the Louis XV style. The carcass is made of solid wood and veneered with kingwood, carefully selected for its grain and tone and laid in a precise geometric pattern that emphasizes the architectural clarity of the form.The secrétaire stands on tall cabriole legs richly adorned with gilt-bronze mounts. The flowing curves of the legs and their bases are accentuated by bronze elements with vegetal motifs, lending the piece visual lightness and elegant dynamism.The principal artistic focal point is the large painted panel set into the fall-front, depicting classical lovers running toward a fountain, surrounded by cupids. Executed in the academic tradition, the composition displays finely modelled figures, soft chiaroscuro and a painterly depth of landscape background. The panel is framed by an elaborate gilt-bronze mount with rocaille scrolls, floral tendrils and corner mascarons in the form of female heads organically integrated into the decorative structure of the façade.Beneath the fall-front is a drawer decorated with undulating bronze foliage and refined handles. The interior is rationally and functionally arranged: the upper section divided by a shelf, the lower fitted with four small drawers in mahogany, two of which lock with a key. The writing surface is lined with green velvet, creating a noble contrast with the warm tones of the wood and gilt bronze.The upper section of the secrétaire is finished with a broad horizontal surface enclosed by an elegant gilt-bronze balustrade, reinforcing the ceremonial character of the piece and the completeness of its composition. The lockplate bears the maker’s signature with the Paris workshop address.Marks: Maker’s lockplate signed “Paul Sormani, 10 r. Charlot, Paris”.Dimensions: Height: 137 cm. Width: 87 cm. Depth: 39 cm.Condition: Good.Provenance: Private European collection.

Bidding is completed

Antique shelf

Antique display case

Antique display case

Set of 3 oriental style tables

Set of 3 oriental style tables

Hallway coat rack

Hallway coat rack

Oak mirror with fine carvings

Oak mirror with fine carvings

An exquisite and royal LUI XV style bed

An exquisite and royal LUI XV style bed

Beautiful Art Deco sideboard

Beautiful Art Deco sideboard

Biedermeier style mahogany linen cabinet

Biedermeier style mahogany linen cabinet

Hallway coat rack

Hallway coat rack

Oval coffee table in Louis XVI style, model Adam Weisweiler. France 19th century

Oval coffee table in Louis XVI style, model Adam Weisweiler. France 19th century

Oval coffee table in mahogany and gilded bronze in the Louis XVI style. Late nineteenth century based on the model of Adam Weisweiler. The table top has a shape close to an oval with four semicircular protrusions, to which figured elegant table legs with gilded mascarons are attached in the lower part. Bronze overlays and linear edging of the edge of the lid and its wooden sides (table waist) are made with high quality casting, embossing and gilding. The table top is decorated over the entire surface with a geometric marquetry pattern, which contrasts beautifully with the gilded edging of the table. The decor uses motifs traditional for the era of classicism, made in the antique spirit - ribbon and floral patterns, flower heads, cornucopia, figurines of lying rams, maiden heads. The table legs are completed at the bottom with bronze shoe-shaped plates with a relief foliage pattern. In the front part of the table (at the waist) there is a drawer lid. It, due to the decor, similar to the decor repeating the gilded bronze decor of other sides of the table waist, is carefully hidden. Material: wood, mahogany veneer, carving, polishing, bronze, casting, embossing, Dimensions: 99 x 64 x 72 cm.

Bidding is completed

Danish design vintage desk

Danish design vintage desk

Pair of bedside tables

Pair of bedside tables

Large chest of drawers

Large chest of drawers

Ladies& 039; table

Ladies& 039; table

Large mirror

Mirror with painting

Mirror with painting

Buffet with wood carvings

Buffet with wood carvings

Paired Shelves

Twin Shelves, decorated with artistic brass elements.

Bidding is completed

Unique and antique Thonet sofa

Unique and antique Thonet sofa

Neo-Renaissance style mahogany console

Neo-Renaissance style mahogany console

Vintage table with butterflies

Vintage table with butterflies

Antique secretary

Antique secretary

Renaissance style cabinet - display case

Renaissance style cabinet - display case

Antique display case

Antique display case

Mirror

Large and elegant buffet

Large and elegant buffet

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